Extinction Rebellion protests: More than 500 arrested as police order activists to stop occupying central London

Environmental protesters glue themselves to Home Office as others 'reforest' parliament

Climate strike protests in London

More than 500 Extinction Rebellion protesters have been arrested in London as they continue two weeks of demonstrations demanding urgent government action on the climate crisis.

Organisers have blockaded key sites in central London including Westminster Bridge, Trafalgar Square and the roads outside Downing Street with some gluing and chaining themselves to roads and vehicles.

Animal Rebellion, an offshoot of Extinction Rebellion, has also shut down Smithfield Meat Market by replacing butchery stalls with organic fruit and vegetables.

It comes as Boris Johnson dismissed Extinction Rebellion as “uncooperative crusties” who should stop blocking the streets of the capital with their “heaving hemp-smelling bivouacs”.

If you want to read how the Extinction Rebellion protests happened live, please see what was our live coverage below

Key Points

• Number of arrests soars to more than 500
• Activists 'reforest' parliament
• Protesters glue themselves to Home Office and Department for Transport
• Boris Johnson calls activists 'crusties' in 'hemp smelling bivouacs' 

[8 October 2019 12:29 · emma.snaith]

'Boris, sort climate change first, (then) prorogue Brexit'

One Extinction Rebellion activist at Trafalgar Square has been spotted holding a sign which reads "Boris, sort climate change first, (then) prorogue Brexit". 

Glen Drake, 58, is a Brexiteer but said politicians should prioritise tackling climate change before securing a deal with the EU.

"I voted for Brexit, mainly because I don't want to be part of a federal Europe," he said. 

"But because of the urgency of climate change, we need to put aside Brexit. No-one can agree on it, the country is 50/50 split, so let's put that aside and let's concentrate on the main issue, and that's climate change."

[8 October 2019 12:43 · emma.snaith]

Activists 'reforest parliament'

Meanwhile in Westminster, Extinction Rebellion have assembled a 'mini forest' with 1,000 potted native trees

[8 October 2019 12:58 · emma.snaith]

'We are all different sorts of people'

One Extinction Rebellion activist who camped on the streets overnight wore a a suit and a flat cap to show the protest "is for everyone".

Mike Gumn, a 33-year-old NHS manager from Bristol, told PA: "I have a job, I have taken annual leave to be here. I'd rather be with my family.

"I want to make a statement that (the activists) are all different sorts of people from all different walks of life, not just people you would call hippies."

On being arrested, he said: "We will decide as a group when we are going to move, and we are not going to let police tell us when.

"I would not like to get arrested, but if that happens when I am exercising my right to protest and deliver a good life for my children, then I will take it on the chin."

[8 October 2019 13:31 · emma.snaith]

Protesters trigger evacuation of Oil and Money Conference

Extinction Rebellion protesters have reportedly triggered the evacuation of the Oil and Money Conference in London.

Tony, 74, from Cambridge was filmed setting off the alarm from a Park Lane hotel.

Before flipping the switch, he said: "Our house is on fire. This hotel is on fire, our planet is on fire."

"Even if we only have a small chance, we have to do what we can to put out the flames." 

[8 October 2019 13:43 · emma.snaith]

More arrests outside Home Office

Police are reportedly making more arrests outside the Home Office on Marsham Street after protesters glued themselves to the lobby of the building. 

[8 October 2019 14:12 · emma.snaith]

Police block road outside doors of Home Office

Police have blocked the road outside the front doors of the Home Office, where an Extinction Rebellion lorry is parked diagonally.

Hundreds of protesters are sat at either side of the police blockade, where a few tents from last night's camp out are still pitched.

PA

PA

PA 

[8 October 2019 14:16 · emma.snaith]

More than 395 Extinction Rebellion protesters arrested around the world

More than 395 Extinction Rebellion protesters have been arrested around the world in addition to 319 confirmed arrests in London.

Protests are taking place in 23 other cities around the world including Berlin, Sydney and Paris. 

[8 October 2019 14:39 · emma.snaith]

Extinction Rebellion publishes 'guide to police and prisons' 

Extinction Rebellion have released a "guide to police and prisons" for its activists. So far 219 protesters have been arrested in London.

"We are facing a climate emergency. The situation is drastic and urgent," the guide reads. " You might be willing to make personal sacrifices. But it is vital that you have a realistic understanding of what the outcome might be, both short and long-term..."

"Prison conditions can be grim, and the emotional impact on you and your family difficult to deal with. A criminal record could affect your ability to get work, volunteer, travel abroad and get insurance."

[8 October 2019 15:00 · emma.snaith]

Met Police imposes condition of public assembly on central London protests

A condition of public assembly has been imposed on Extinction Rebellion protests in central London. This means that protesters who gather at sites other than at the pedestrianised area around Trafalgar square can face arrest.

All protesters at other sites have been asked to assemble in the pedestrianised area in Trafalgar Square. 

Police say the condition does not have a time limit.

[8 October 2019 15:15 · emma.snaith]

Protests spread to India

Extinction Rebellion protests have also spread to India in the cities of Chennai and Mumbai.